IP Testimony Regarding Social Work Licensing

Summary

Testimony regarding social work licensing, presented January 9, 2024 to the House Labor and Commerce Committee with the Honorable Mark Johnson presiding. The testimony states that the behavioral healthcare shortage existed before the pandemic and that COVID brought national attention to mental health matters such as depression and addiction. It describes interstate licensure compacts as a legislative strategy that eases practice across state lines, supports telehealth for people without a physically accessible provider, and can provide consumers choices when seeking a provider. It says compacts create shared definitions for licensed professionals and benefit border areas such as Greater Cincinnati. The testimony notes that Kentucky and Indiana also have Social Work Licensure Compact bills before their general assemblies.

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Full text

January 9, 2024

House Labor and Commerce Committee, Honorable Mark Johnson presiding

IP Testimony Regarding Social Work Licensing ey by Y Matte blvey. Hexen & utcPe RS

Hegntet, bye Sige Gomene

The behavioral healthcare shortage existed long before the pandemic, but COVID brought a national
spotlight to mental health matters such as depression and addiction issues. State legislatures are
searching for solutions and funding to address growing behavioral health challenges affecting our
communities and labor force.

Interstate licensure compacts have a history of being one successful legislative strategy to add some
depth to local labor pools. Compacts provide an easier pathway to practice for somebody who wants to
move or work in multiple states. This is of particular benefit to our border areas such as Greater
Cincinnati where people cross the bridges to and From Kentucky and Indiana for work and services.

Licensure compacts also ease the ability to provide telehealth services across state lines, An option
beneficial to both consumers and providers. For individuals living in parts of our state with no physically
accessible provider, telehealth is the only means to access services. Compacts can also provide
consumers choices when seeking a provider.

Licensing boards benefit in the form of standards as well as shared date, und uigicen fostuce voetipa is
for workforce development. Right now, our states use different titles and definitions for licensed
professionals. Compacts create shared definitions and language which assists professionals wanting to
work in multiple states. Today, Kentucky and Indiana also have Social Work Licensure Compact bills
before the general assembly. If these states move forward, the region will have more access to
professionals.

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